Watching our parents grow old is not a pleasant experience. It all starts with agonizing joint aches, hunched postures, fading memory, and other problems. It gets to the point where the roles get reversed, and our parents who have cared for us since birth need to be cared for by us as they age. Although we cannot stop the aging process, we can assure that they live a healthier future by considering the suggestions below.
1. Identify their requirements
To begin, determine what your parents require assistance with. It might be a little tough, but there is a simple solution here. Make a list of all the essentials for everyday existence that you can think of, like personal hygiene, personal mobility, dressing, bathing, self-feeding, toilet hygiene, medicines, and more. Now, assess what they require assistance with and find a suitable solution. For example, if your parent has chronically high blood pressure, investing in a medical BP checker is recommended. Similarly, you might need to invest in a diabetes checker or a wearable for monitoring vitals. However, if they need constant care and support for any particular disease or health condition, it is best to hire a medical home health care service provider. It also prevents your elderly parent from having to visit the hospital regularly.
2. Discuss the changes
Caring for a parent is one thing, but controlling their activities is quite another. To avoid giving your parent the idea that they are losing control of their lives, involve them. Discuss your caregiving intentions and changes with them and seek their input. Begin by helping them in modest ways and gradually expand your help. In an emergency, you must force your decisions; otherwise, you must allow them to adjust to changes first.
3. Consider finances
Before starting parent care, it is strongly advised that you evaluate your financial situation. This is done to avert a financial crisis later on and to assure continuous care. Start by calculating their daily expenses, such as meals, medical supplies, in-home caregiver costs, and so on. Check your affordability once you’ve determined the overall amount to be expended. If you cannot afford to make arrangements, seek government assistance. Numerous government programs cover long-term care for the elderly. This is a fantastic method for getting prepared.
4. Motivate them to stay active
It is not advisable to make your parents exercise since their bones and muscles weaken as they age. However, to ensure proper blood circulation and health, urge them to do something mild. Ask them to do yoga, meditate, go for walks, and so on.
5. Make a diet plan
Your parents need a light meal full of protein, fiber, calcium, iron, and other essential nutrients. To ensure this, sit down with them and create a diet plan. If your parents live independently and lack the energy to go grocery shopping and make meals on their own, here is a solution. Arrange Make ready-made nutritious packaged meals for them. This way, they won’t skip meals and will get all nutrients they require.
6. Prevent home accidents
Slip, fall, and trip injuries in the home can be fatal. It is thus recommended that specific structural changes be made to avoid accidents. Consider installing grab bars in your home, keeping the floors and walkways clear of clutter, and ensuring your parents don’t need to use stools. These are just a few of the many ways to keep your parents safe at home.
7. Hire help
It is possible to become stressed while caring for a parent, especially if they have chronic health concerns. In such cases, it is preferable to seek expert assistance from an in-home caregiver or geriatric doctor. This will save you time, money, and your parent’s treatment from being delayed.
8. Regular check-ups
Periodic visits to the family physician and ENT help you monitor your parent’s general health. It is also advisable to get health screenings regularly, especially when your parent has crossed 65. This is to detect and address health problems as soon as possible.
9. Show love and affection
Finally, your parent’s emotional health is reflected in their physical health. As a result, make them feel loved and valued to keep them happy and mentally fit. Spend some quality time with them, connect with them on a personal level, and encourage them to socialize. This is the most effective approach to keep them occupied and away from unpleasant feelings.
You will have a quiet mind and heart at ease once your parents’ welfare has been taken care of. As a result, stay informed, stay up to date, consider their needs and requirements, make them happy and comfortable, and be gentle. This is the only feasible option for ensuring that your parents do not experience age-related problems and that you remain worry-free.
